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AIRF RCE June 15, 2017 Communication and information systems Diamond Spear 5 Lining up seamless links JICC communications and information system controller LAC Shaun Douglas (left) and 1CCS communications electronic technician CPL Matt Hamilton inspect equipment on a portable mast during Exercise Diamond Spear. Photos: CPL Nicci Freeman SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers EXERCISE Diamond Spear, the fourth component of the Air Warfare Instructor’s Course (AWIC), tested ground-to-air communication using tactical data links in northern NSW. The ADF Joint Interface Control Cell (JICC) deployed critical infrastructure in conditions replicating operational settings where fixed infrastructure has not yet been established. JICC detachment OIC FLTLT Tom Dayman said the deployment to the Northern Training Area “provided a consistent level of network support, allowing exercise participants to interact with each other”. “Everyone in the exercise was able to communicate with each other and get vital information about their operations when they needed it,” he said. “This is vital in a fifth-generation air force if we are going to maximize the benefits of the platforms that are already in existence or soon to be in service with the Air Force.” Five personnel deployed to Coonamble with the latest technology in tactical data link infrastructure. The system is compact and designed to be readily available as a forward opera- tional communications link between air and ground elements in an operations area. No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit deployed a Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS) to Gunnedah in support of the exercise. A small team of eight personnel, including radar and ground support equipment technicians and an air surveillance operator, provided enhanced radar detection and communications coverage of the exercise airspace, allowing pilots and air battle managers to coordinate more effectively. In addition to demonstrating agil- ity, the deployment exercised the capabilities 3CRU needs for its ongoing Homeland defence mission. 3CRU detachment commander SGT Mitch Gray said the team’s job was to maintain the equipment while it was operated remotely from the Eastern Region Operations Centre (EASTROC) at RAAF Williamtown. “The rapid deployment and setting up of the TADRS allowed us to learn more about our roles because every deployment, exercise or operation has a different site and presents a different challenge,” he said. “While mobile equipment such as this looks to be pretty straightforward, it’s not as simple as just putting it up and flicking a switch. “It takes careful planning and close integration with EASTROC to ensure we deliver what is required for the overall effort.” The AWIC’s Diamond series culminates with Exercise Diamond Storm, currently running in the Northern Territory. The exercise is training fighter combat and intelligence instructors, and fighter combat controllers and includes the F/A-18A Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, E-7A Wedgetail and C-130J Hercules. PHAT TaxReturn? Do youwanta DEFENCE FORCETAX SPECIALISTS We have extensiveexperienceacross all ranksand specialities, including: l Investment properties l Memberswho have served overseas l Late lodgement of taxreturns Maximum returns -Weknowall thespecific deductions,soyou get agreat taxreturn every year Phone consultations -All taxreturns arecompleted overthe phone, so youdon’t have to leaveyour base,ship or assignment One Tax agent -Weare not limited bylocalityso you and your family don’t everhavetolook foranothertax agent again 3CRU communication electronics fitter LAC Wayne Matthews checks the guy wires during Exercise Diamond Spear. 1300 763575 or visitusonlineat www.phatreturns.com.au